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FAQ
How can I help?
There are inumerable ways in which you can help. Please see the volunteer page for specific volunteer opportunities with the Children's Advocacy Center.
Child Abuse
Who do I call if I believe someone is abusing a child?
In an immediate emergency situation, please call 9-1-1. You can also make a report to the Texas Dept. of Family & Protective Services hotline at: 1-800-252-5400
What do I do if I see parents fighting with their young children in public?
The next time you see a parent having a problem with a child in a public place, pause for a moment to consider how you might respond effectively. If appropriate, ask the parent what you could do to help. You might say something like, ?I know you are pretty stressed right now. Is there something I could do to help you?? Reacting out of concern for the parent also acts as a way of supporting and caring about the child. Compliment the child: "Your little boy has such beautiful eyes. How old is he? It's hard to shop with a toddler. I really admire you" Offer sympathy & help: A parent's anger can be fueled by embarrassment at the fuss the child is making. Say, "Children sure can wear you out. Is there anything I can do to help?" "Taking kids out to eat is a challenge."
What exactly is "child abuse"?
A description of child abuse as determined by Texas law may be found by going to this link: http://www.oag.state.tx.us/AG_Publications/txts/childabuse1.shtml
How can you tell if someone is a "child molester"?
Since child sex abusers come from all walks of life, it is easier to spot one by his or her behavior rather than appearance. Here are some things to consider: ?Is the person too good to be true? ?Is the person spending too much time with children? ?Does the person create reasons to be alone with children? ?Is the person giving children unnecessary gifts or rewards? ?Does the person spend inappropriate time at childrens' homes, have e-mail relationships with them or have limited adult relationships?
What else should I know about abusers?
?Sexual abusers come from all racial, ethnic, and class backgrounds ?More than 85% of child abusers are known and trusted by the child and family ?30% to 60% of molested children 12 years or younger are molested by those under 18 ?Children in chat rooms on the Internet are targets of molesters ?Child sex abusers have on average, molested over 175 children before they are actually caught! ?It is estimated that 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys will be molested before the age of 18
What do you mean by "inoculating" children against sexual abuse?
We can't always be with our children. So we have to teach them how to protect themselves. By educating our children we are planting the seeds that help inoculate them against molesters. That's because molesters are less likely to pursue savvy children. They don't want to be caught.
How do I talk to my child about sexual abuse without scaring them?
This is not about sex or violence. You are simply teaching your child what is accepted behavior when it comes to their bodies, specifically, their body belongs to them. Explain that the body parts covered by a swimsuit are your "private parts." You have a right to say who touches you and how. If someone touches you in a way you don't like, in a way that makes you feel funny or uncomfortable inside, or in a way that you think is wrong or your parents would think is wrong, you need to say "NO!" If the person doesn't stop, say, "I'm going to tell" and then tell, NO MATTER WHAT! If you're asked to keep a secret, say, "No, I'm going to tell" or "We don't keep secrets in my family". If you have a problem, keep talking about it until someone helps you. Practice role-plays and have your child practice saying ?NO? in a variety of situations. Practicing and parental reinforcement are keys to teaching children to protect themselves when adults are not there to protect them.
What are some alternatives to lashing out at your child?
Check out these helpful hints at this website: http://loveourchildrenusa.org/parent_alternatives.php
What if a child tells me they have been sexually abused?
The trauma of a child reporting abuse is very real so you must: 1. Remain calm and supportive of the child. Give the child an opportunity to tell you in his or her own way what happened. 2. Don't over-react or criticize the child in any way. The child needs to be told: That you believe him/her and you're glad s/he told you. That s/he didn't do anything wrong. That you will do your best to see that s/he is not hurt again and you will make every effort to get help. Do not promise the child that you will do anything specific, as you may not be able to keep that promise. Children who report sexual or physical abuse need to be examined by a doctor. Call 1-800-252-5400 or 9-1-1 in immediate case.
Read More»
There are inumerable ways in which you can help. Please see the volunteer page for specific volunteer opportunities with the Children's Advocacy Center.
Child Abuse
Who do I call if I believe someone is abusing a child?
In an immediate emergency situation, please call 9-1-1. You can also make a report to the Texas Dept. of Family & Protective Services hotline at: 1-800-252-5400
What do I do if I see parents fighting with their young children in public?
The next time you see a parent having a problem with a child in a public place, pause for a moment to consider how you might respond effectively. If appropriate, ask the parent what you could do to help. You might say something like, ?I know you are pretty stressed right now. Is there something I could do to help you?? Reacting out of concern for the parent also acts as a way of supporting and caring about the child. Compliment the child: "Your little boy has such beautiful eyes. How old is he? It's hard to shop with a toddler. I really admire you" Offer sympathy & help: A parent's anger can be fueled by embarrassment at the fuss the child is making. Say, "Children sure can wear you out. Is there anything I can do to help?" "Taking kids out to eat is a challenge."
What exactly is "child abuse"?
A description of child abuse as determined by Texas law may be found by going to this link: http://www.oag.state.tx.us/AG_Publications/txts/childabuse1.shtml
How can you tell if someone is a "child molester"?
Since child sex abusers come from all walks of life, it is easier to spot one by his or her behavior rather than appearance. Here are some things to consider: ?Is the person too good to be true? ?Is the person spending too much time with children? ?Does the person create reasons to be alone with children? ?Is the person giving children unnecessary gifts or rewards? ?Does the person spend inappropriate time at childrens' homes, have e-mail relationships with them or have limited adult relationships?
What else should I know about abusers?
?Sexual abusers come from all racial, ethnic, and class backgrounds ?More than 85% of child abusers are known and trusted by the child and family ?30% to 60% of molested children 12 years or younger are molested by those under 18 ?Children in chat rooms on the Internet are targets of molesters ?Child sex abusers have on average, molested over 175 children before they are actually caught! ?It is estimated that 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys will be molested before the age of 18
What do you mean by "inoculating" children against sexual abuse?
We can't always be with our children. So we have to teach them how to protect themselves. By educating our children we are planting the seeds that help inoculate them against molesters. That's because molesters are less likely to pursue savvy children. They don't want to be caught.
How do I talk to my child about sexual abuse without scaring them?
This is not about sex or violence. You are simply teaching your child what is accepted behavior when it comes to their bodies, specifically, their body belongs to them. Explain that the body parts covered by a swimsuit are your "private parts." You have a right to say who touches you and how. If someone touches you in a way you don't like, in a way that makes you feel funny or uncomfortable inside, or in a way that you think is wrong or your parents would think is wrong, you need to say "NO!" If the person doesn't stop, say, "I'm going to tell" and then tell, NO MATTER WHAT! If you're asked to keep a secret, say, "No, I'm going to tell" or "We don't keep secrets in my family". If you have a problem, keep talking about it until someone helps you. Practice role-plays and have your child practice saying ?NO? in a variety of situations. Practicing and parental reinforcement are keys to teaching children to protect themselves when adults are not there to protect them.
What are some alternatives to lashing out at your child?
Check out these helpful hints at this website: http://loveourchildrenusa.org/parent_alternatives.php
What if a child tells me they have been sexually abused?
The trauma of a child reporting abuse is very real so you must: 1. Remain calm and supportive of the child. Give the child an opportunity to tell you in his or her own way what happened. 2. Don't over-react or criticize the child in any way. The child needs to be told: That you believe him/her and you're glad s/he told you. That s/he didn't do anything wrong. That you will do your best to see that s/he is not hurt again and you will make every effort to get help. Do not promise the child that you will do anything specific, as you may not be able to keep that promise. Children who report sexual or physical abuse need to be examined by a doctor. Call 1-800-252-5400 or 9-1-1 in immediate case.
Read More»
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